2017 Lexus IS 200t review

1. Strong performance 

Billed as a sports sedan, the 2017 Lexus IS 200t has plenty of pace to please. The 241-hp 2.0L turbocharged engine has 258 lb-ft of torque, and a zero to 60 time of 6.9 seconds, so you won’t be left wanting on highway overtakes. The eight-speed automatic transmission has downshift throttle-blipping for quicker responses and more precise shifts. The engine is designed with technologies to improve gas mileage, too, and the IS 200t with 17-inch wheels to achieve an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 26 mpg combined. 

2. Arresting looks 

The new-for-2017 grille and headlight design give the IS 200t increased curb appeal. If you’re pulling into the office or restaurant parking lot, you’ll turn heads with IS 200t’s upswept and dynamic lines. The Redline or available Ultrasonic Blue Mica paint colors will really make you stand out, but for a subtler appearance, choose either the Caviar or Nightfall Mica finishes introduced for the 2017 trim. 

3. Lots of features 

Making your decision-making easy, the Lexus IS 200t is available in the sole IS 200t trim. It doesn’t shy away from standard features with LED headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, a power sunroof, front seats with power adjustments, 60/40 split-fold rear seats, and imitation leather trim. For 2017, a suite of driver-assist features comes as standard, and a wealth of available packages ramp up the kit count. Sure to please music lovers, choose the Navigation/Mark Levinson^® package for a navigation system plus a 15-speaker Mark Levinson surround sound audio set-up with 835 watts. 

4. Interior technology 

The Lexus IS 200t has a four-door silhouette, but inside there are touches that can be found on some sports cars. Taking cues from the Lexus LFA supercar, the ambience is cocooning and luxurious, and the use of upscale materials impresses. The levels of onboard technology will keep you entertained, too, from the touch-sensitive sliders of the dual-zone climate control system, to the seven-inch display audio system with HD Radio^®, and USB and Bluetooth^® connectivity. Opt for the available Navigation package, and you get a 10.3-inch screen for convenient and clear directions.  

5. An enjoyable drive 

Whether dropping the kids at kindergarten or scaling twisty mountain roads, the IS 200t is an enjoyable and comfortable drive. The rear-wheel drive chassis gives it crisp handling through the corners, and the direct steering makes it easy to place, wherever you’re driving. The standard Drive Select Mode offers different settings allowing you to enhance the dynamic experience, and if you still want more, the available F Sport package amplifies the sporty feel. F Sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch wheels, aluminum pedals, a black headliner, and extra bolstered heated and ventilated front seats may make it desirable for those solo drives.